PBA: Juami Tiongson main Terrafirma’s early surge

Terrafirma guard Juami Tiongson.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Juami Tiongson earned excessive praises from Terrafirma coach Johnedel Cardel after their most up-to-date win within the PBA Philippine Cup.

Led by Tiongson, the Dyip squeaked previous NLEX, 99-95, to earn a uncommon 2-0 begin on Sunday at Araneta Coliseum.

Tiongson recorded a team-high 21 factors with three assists, two rebounds and a steal to energy Terrafirma to its finest franchise begin because the 2016 Governors’ Cup.

But it wasn’t the rosiest scoring exhibition for Tiongson, who solely made 5 of his 17 pictures from the sphere for a lowly 29 p.c capturing clip.

Still, Cardel made it some extent to say constructive issues concerning the rising level guard.

“With Juami, every practice, he arrives early. He even arrives earlier than me even if it’s 5 or 5:30 a.m., he still makes it a point to go first. Seeing that, I told myself that I can live and die with Juami because I can see his efforts,” stated Cardel in Filipino.

“I have huge confidence in him. Even if he makes mistakes, I know he will always bounce back.”

Tiongson contributing large on offense isn’t new for the Dyip.

The Ateneo product completed with a 30-piece on Friday when Terrafirma beat Converge 107-99 on Friday.

Stephen Holt, who turned in an distinctive sport with 17 factors, seven boards, 4 assists and 4 steals, stated Tiongson makes it simpler for him to be efficient on the ground.

“He makes my job easier. With him, I can focus more on defense. He picks me up, I can deny the passing lines to make it more difficult for other guards,” stated the 2023 first general draft decide.